Clean Food Labels [Infographic]

What Food Label Language Really Means

As consumers become more aware about how, where and from what the various foods we buy is actually produced, there is a growing concern about ingredient purity and general food safety.

Nowadays, more people are beginning to carefully read and scrutinize food labels, not just to find out the calorie content and key nutritional information about a particular food or food product, but to also ascertain whether it contains any toxic or harmful ingredients or has been grown or produced in a way that is thought to be injurious to human health.

In response to this growing consumer awareness and demand for natural, healthier, clean food, we are now seeing a trend in labeling all different kinds and types of foods as "natural",  "all natural" or "100% natural".  

Unfortunately, the "natural" claims found on many food labels are misleading or outright false.  Furthermore, the loose interpretation and commonplace use of the term "natural" has led to confusion about which foods are actually clean and free from artificial and toxic ingredients, hormones, antibiotics, etc.

Many holistic health experts recommend ignoring the "natural" claims altogether and looking more carefully at other labeling terms, such as "organic", "free-range", "cage-free" and "no hormones added" after becoming familiar with the legal definitions of these terms.  This infographic illustrates and summarizes what most of the more common clean food labeling language means.

Related:

Organic Food Costs

Infographic source:  unknown - please contact us for credit.

Infographic: Organic Food Costs

Organic food has gotten the reputation of being costly and not affordable to individuals and families on a budget.  A quick survey of the produce department at the local supermarket would confirm this.   Organic versions of fruits and vegetables are slightly more expensive.  But, how does the cost of organic food in general compare to the cost of other types of foods on a pound per pound basis?

This infographic puts things into perspective by not only showing the cost per pound or gallon of some popular processed and junk food (like candy, soda and potato chips) but also by showing the hidden costs of consuming these types of foods (like farm subsidies, medical costs and pesticide clean-up).

The only comment I have with regard to this Infographic is that there is strong evidence that a whole food, plant-based diet (i.e., vegan) is healthier than a diet that includes meat and dairy.  However, for those individuals who choose not to exclude meat and/or dairy, the organic versions are the healthier option.